Queenie Cheen reveals the exhausting glamour of her Paris student days

In the past, Queenie Cheen, a Chinese photographer, lived in Paris as a struggling photography student. During her time there, she faced the challenges of making barely enough money to cover her tuition and living expenses while pursuing her passion. After spending a decade honing her skills in France, she returned to China, where she transitioned into a successful career as an imaging product manager for Vivo, a prominent smartphone brand. Her journey in the fashion industry continued when she took on the role of an art director for an advertising shoot in 2020. On the set of the shoot featuring Liu Wen, widely acknowledged as China's first supermodel, a moment caught Cheen's attention. While the scene unfolded, one supporting model remained seated on the bus, capturing Cheen's eye with her weary and contemplative expression. This moment resonated with Cheen and reminded her of her own experiences during her days as a photography student in Paris, where the glamorous world of fashion could often feel exhausting. The contrast between the allure of fashion and the fatigue of pursuing it was palpable for her. Cheen noted that the young woman's tired appearance evoked memories of her own struggles balancing the high expectations of the industry with the reality of her exhausting student life. It was a poignant reminder of how ambitions in artistic fields can carry their own burdens, even amidst moments of beauty and creativity. Interestingly, amidst this significant visual narrative, a teddy bear prop left behind by another model also sat in the scene. When Cheen was asked about the teddy bear, she mentioned that nobody had inquired about it before the interview. This detail led to a reflection on cultural nuances, highlighting the significance of childhood items like teddy bears. Cheen, who has one teddy bear at her home in Paris, expressed understanding of the warmth such items can evoke, particularly in relation to her family living in the UK. Her insights draw parallels to broader feelings of nostalgia and comfort associated with childhood memories. Through this photograph and its accompanying narrative, Queenie Cheen not only captures a moment in time but also reflects on her personal growth and the emotional ties to her past. This connection to her experiences serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of one’s passion, and how the memories of those times continue to shape her as a professional in the photography industry.